Want to get started on knitting

**MomToTwoBoys** · 12-15-2009, 09:36 PM

Hey all!

I decided that I'd start doing some knitting while we're on Christmas vacation. I've done some a really long time ago, but it's been longer than I can remember so I'm in need of help as far as getting started again.

I'd like to do at least some scarfs and try my hand at some cabled arm warmers:

http://www.dreamaid.com/viewProductAction.do?id=1325

I was wondering what I should be looking for as far as supplies. I know I need a needle and some yarn, but I'm not sure of where to go from there. I'll be heading to the mall tomorrow and would love to know the best place to get my supplies. Would Michaels be good or is there another place I should look?

What about needle sizes? If I need a #10 needle, how do I find that on the package?

I'm so lost!

Thanks in advance

**Lindsay E** · 12-15-2009, 11:20 PM

I would probably try to start with some scarves first while you get used to knitting again, since the arm warmers would be more complicated and need more supplies (double pointed needles, cable needle).

For a beginner's scarf I would probably buy a couple skeins of worsted weight yarn. Check the label to see the weight, and make sure if your scarf is going to be all one color the yarn comes from the same dye lot so the color is consistent (you can also find this on the label). You would probably be okay with US size 8 (5 mm) needles. They should be pretty clearly labeled on the package.

As for where to buy, Michaels is okay but don't go without a coupon! They have a 40% off coupon every week in their flyer and on their website. You can also find pretty reasonably priced supplies at Zellers or Walmart. I've also seen tons of needles for sale at thrift stores, but this might be a little harder to identify the sizes. Usually it is printed on the little ball at the top of the needle, so you could probably still figure it out.

Good Luck!

**frugalfranny** · 12-15-2009, 11:59 PM

I am trying to NOT pick up any more hobbies but am sure I will be watching this post.......

I think crochet might be my thing as some have said they think it is easier to learn. What do you think?

**MomToTwoBoys** · 12-16-2009, 12:44 AM

I found crocheting to be pretty simple when I was younger.

I figured that since the kids go out in the cold here and they don't have scarves, I'd knit them some. I also need something that I can just lay down and do without any stress.

I'll check out Zellers tomorrow for supplies because I'm going to Sunridge Mall. Thanks for the help.

**Lindsay E** · 12-16-2009, 06:22 PM

I am actually more of a crocheter recently, I'm teaching myself right now. I'm really liking it because it seems to go faster and it's seems to be easier to carry around. I think crochet is more forgiving, and it's easier to fix your mistakes. There is only one "live" stitch in crochet, but in knitting if you drop a stitch and don't notice you end up with a big problem

**Lady_V** · 12-16-2009, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by MomToTwoBoys

What about needle sizes? If I need a #10 needle, how do I find that on the package?

THAT is an awesome question. The sizes are on the package and usually on the sticks themselves...

BUT

I noticed you are in Canada... US 10 and Canada 10 are NOT the same. Usually there is a METRIC measurement given in the pattern because it's on all the packages.

Knitting Needle Conversion Chart

**MomToTwoBoys** · 12-17-2009, 10:00 AM

Yeah the needles that I got yesterday say 5.0 mm US 8 on the head. They were pretty well labeled on the package itself.

I checked the dollar store but they didn't have what I needed. I went to Zellers and got a set of needles, plus a skein of yarn with No Dye Lot on the package. I tried a slip knot last night and it took me five minutes to do it, but after that it was pretty easy... until I actually tied it into a knot.

The cast on part is what I'm figuring out now. There's so many different types of cast on that my eyes just about went cross figuring it out. I'll get it figured out today.

**Lady_V** · 12-17-2009, 10:30 AM

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...1922819400872#

**MomToTwoBoys** · 12-17-2009, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by Lady_V

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...1922819400872#

That video is awesome! Thank you so much.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 12-17-2009, 12:46 PM

So I started my cast on and I noticed that the tail end ends up reversing itself and ends up where the ball end is. Am I doing something wrong? I also notice that the cast ons are twisted... like the stitch is going from the bottom of the needle to the top of it.

**Lady_V** · 12-17-2009, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by MomToTwoBoys

So I started my cast on and I noticed that the tail end ends up reversing itself and ends up where the ball end is. Am I doing something wrong? I also notice that the cast ons are twisted... like the stitch is going from the bottom of the needle to the top of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~9~~~~~~~~~~@

that's the best I can do online

the free end loops over the ball end

when I cast on fast, my bottoms are all over hill and dale, a quick re-alignment and I am good to go (provided I haven't added anything anywhere or cast on way too loosely)

Hope that helps